Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2004-05: Pierro-Zabotel scored just 12 points in 58 during his rookie season with the Merritt Centennials.

2005-06: With increased ice time came increased results for the big forward as he averaged nearly a point per game with 55 points in 60 games.

2006-07: He exploded offensively in his third year with Merritt, more than doubling his goal and point production from the previous year. He scored 51 goals and 65 assists for 116 points putting him third in league scoring behind only Kyle Turris and 20-year-old Tyler Bozak.

2007-08: After putting up eye-opening numbers in the BCHL, Pierro-Zabotel went to the Vancouver Giants of the WHL instead of playing for Michigan Tech. The tall center continued to dominate offensively in the WHL, posting a point-per-game after a slow start.

2008-09: Played alongside Evander Kane for Vancouver.

2009-10: Signed to a contract, he was assigned to the ECHL Wheeling Nailers to start the year. Scored 41 points in 49 games with Wheeling.

2010-11: In a season that was not without some controversy, Pierro-Zabotel managed 14 goals and 20 assists in 42 games for the Penguins ECHL affiliate. He was however loaned to the Cincinnati Cyclones in the early spring, his future with the organization very much in doubt.

Talent Analysis

He’s a big body with very good scoring abilities. Pierro-Zabotel is a pure finisher who rarely fails to convert on a chance within 10 feet. In some ways he compares to Tomas Holmstrom in the sense that he’s willing to take some punishment in front of the net and he is very much an opportunist. He won’t create many chances himself, but he will take advantage of them when they come along.

His acceleration definitely needs improvement, although his all-around mobility is good enough to get by on with what he does on the ice. Defensively he’s weak, but that aspect of his game can be rounded out in the future.

Future

Pierro-Zabotel will have to vastly improve in the very near future or risk losing relevancy as a Penguins prospect.